More resources to get you started with Cricut Maker. Just select a link below.
Champagne color pictured. This model also in Blue, Rose, Mint, and Lilac.
- What comes in the box
- Machine overview
- Learn about compatible machine mats
- Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
- Learn about compatible materials
- Learn about compatible pens and markers
- Register your machine
- How to Download Design Space
- How to connect to Design Space
- FAQ
What comes in the box
- Cricut Maker machine
- Rotary Blade + Drive Housing
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp).
- Pen and Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- FabricGrip Mat 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
- LightGrip Mat 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
- Welcome book
- Quick Start Guide
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Materials for test cut
Note: Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, QuickSwap Tools, machine mats, and other accessories sold separately.
Machine overview
Learn about compatible machine mats
Cricut Maker can cut a wide variety of materials on a machine mat. Machine mats have an adhesive area with just the right grip to hold your material in place during cutting, then allow you to easily remove it when finished.
Cricut Maker can use 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) and 12 in x 24 in (30.5 cm x 61 cm) machine mats in four different grip strengths, as well as Cricut Card Mat 2 x 2. Learn more about machine mats.
Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
Cricut Maker comes with a Premium Fine-Point blade + housing (pictured below) to cut a wide variety of popular materials, but also features more power and an Adaptive Tool System that makes it possible for you to cut fabrics, engrave metal, deboss leather & so much more!* See compatible blades and machine tools.
*Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, QuickSwap Tools, and other accessories sold separately.
Learn about compatible materials
Cricut Maker can cut 300+ materials. See all 300+ compatible materials.
Learn about compatible pens and markers
Cricut Maker can write and draw with Cricut Pens and Markers to add a variety of colors, line weights, and effects to your projects. See compatible pens and markers.
FAQ
What is the difference between Cricut Maker models?
The key differences are speed, length, and Smart Materials compatibility for cutting without a mat.
| Cricut Maker 3 | Cricut Maker | |
| Two tool clamps | ✔ | ✔ |
| Max material width |
13 in (33 cm) of Smart Materials 12 in (30.5 cm) materials on a machine mat |
12 in (30.5 cm) materials on a machine mat |
| Works with Smart Materials for long, continuous cuts without a machine mat | ✔ | — |
| Max cut length |
Up to 12 ft (3.65 m) (Smart Materials only) |
Up to 2 ft (0.59 m) |
| Up to 2X faster cutting and writing |
✔ (Compared to Cricut Maker) |
✔ (Compared to Cricut Explore Air) |
| Print Then Cut capability | On white & colored materials | On white & colored materials |
| Tool compatibility | 13 (for cutting, writing, scoring & other pro-level effects) | 13 (for cutting, writing, scoring & other pro-level effects) |
| Compatible with Roll Holder | ✔ | — |
What are the dimensions and weight of Cricut Maker machines?
- Height: 15.06 cm (5.93 in)
- Length: 53.80 cm (21.18 in)
- Depth: 17.75 cm (6.99 in)
- Weight: 4.84 kg (10.68 lbs.)
What are the power requirements of this machine?
- Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 1.5 A
Note: All the power requirements can be found on the machine's power adapter.
What is the USB port on the side of my Cricut Maker for?
It is a standard 5-Volt charging port that you can use to charge your mobile device while cutting. That is the sole purpose of this port; it is not configured for data transfer. To connect your machine to your computer via USB, connect the USB cable to the port on the back of the machine.
Important: Use only the power cord that came with your machine as it is configured with the right power output requirements to support charging a mobile device while cutting.
What is the maximum size I can cut?
| Cricut Maker | |
|
On a 12 in x 12 in mat (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) |
11.5 in x 11.5 in (29.2 cm x 29.2 cm) |
|
On a 12 in x 24 in mat (30.5 cm x 61 cm) |
11.5 in x 23.5 in (29.2 cm x 59.6 cm) |
Will I lose my cartridges, projects, or uploaded images if I upgrade to Cricut Maker 3?
No. Your cartridges (image sets), projects, and uploaded images are linked to your Cricut ID account. Activate your new machine with the same Cricut ID to keep using your content.
Can I cut Smart Materials on Cricut Maker?
Cricut Explore 3 and Cricut Maker 3 have been designed, optimized, and rigorously tested for use with Smart Materials. Smart Materials are not intended for use with previous-generation Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines unless placed on a machine mat. Using Smart Materials with older machines without a mat may cause material jams, compromise cutting precision, and damage machine parts, so this use is at your own risk.
Is the Cricut Maker power adapter the same as the one for Cricut Explore?
It is not the same. The Cricut Maker power adapter has been upgraded to allow for 3 Amps of output. Cricut Explore machines have an output of 2.5 Amps. The upgraded capacity delivers 10X the cutting force and enables you to charge a mobile device via charging port on machine while in use.
The Cricut Maker 3 power adapter is more powerful than the power adapter of Cricut Maker to facilitate faster speeds and cutting without a mat.
Using a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or older) power cord with a Cricut Maker machine will not damage the machine. However, if you are charging a mobile device while the machine is cutting, especially if cutting thicker materials, or materials that require more pressure, the motor may stutter, slow down, or turn off.
Important: We recommend using only the power adapter that comes with your machine.
Note: Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Maker power cords are not interchangeable. Connectors/receptacles on each cord are different sizes.
Does Cricut Maker have Fast Mode?
Yes, it does have a Fast Mode option for cutting and writing up to 2X faster than Cricut Explore Air when using some Vinyl, Iron-on, and Cardstock settings.
By default, Cricut Maker 3 runs at Fast Mode speeds for cutting and writing with certain materials on a mat. The machine has also been optimized to ensure top speed and precision with Smart Materials without a mat, so no Fast Mode needed!
How will Cricut Maker machines know which blade I have loaded?
When cutting a project, Cricut Maker machines will move the carriage to the right (this is calling "homing"), then scan the blade to see which blade is installed.
How do I remove / replace the Accessory Adapter for my Cricut Maker machine?
Follow these instructions to remove and replace your Accessory Adapter on all Cricut Maker models.
How thick can my material be with Cricut Maker machines?
3/32 of an inch, or 2.4mm. Click here for more info on cutting thicker materials.
Do Cricut Maker machines have to be connected to the internet?
Not necessarily. With the Design Space app installed on your computer or iOS mobile device, you can still design and send projects to your machine without internet connectivity. However, for certain features and functionality, such as content sync and uploading images, you’ll need to be connected to the internet and signed in.
Note: Offline feature not currently available for Design Space on Android mobile devices.
Tip: Click here to learn more about designing and cutting offline in Design Space.